3 Steps for removing moss from your roof

The moss starts as a thin green layer on and between the shingles, but then it proceeds to lift those shingles up as it grows, allowing the water to seep underneath and causing wood rot and leaks. 

Moss can drastically shorten your roof's lifespan, if left untreated, the clumpy greenery can cause virtually any roofing material to degrade, most commonly wood and asphalt, but also metal, clay and concrete. Fortunately, removing moss is a fairly simple task that you can perform on a seasonal or as needed basis to keep your roof weathertight and great looking.

At US ROOFING Contractors located in Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez, we give you 3 simple steps to clean off moss and keep it from coming back:

Step #1

Climb up a ladder near to the area of moss growth and hose off the area with plain water, spraying at a downward angle. Then, use a long handled soft bristle scrub brush to remove the moss from the roof, scrubbing from the top down to avoid lifting shingles. As you continue, rub gently but don’t scrape, scour, or pound on the roof and work in one small section at a time to avoid ripping, cracking, or breaking the shingles. Do not use a pressure washer on the roof. The high-powered water jets can damage shingles and remove the shingle granules that protect the roof.

Step #2

If your moss problem requires more than just a simple cleaning, there are a wide variety of commercial cleaning solutions or if you prefer you can hire a professional roofing contractor, they will get the job done. Just wait for the next cloudy day before you head out to the roof with your cleanser of choice as this will prevent the solution from evaporating too quickly. Whichever you choose, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the application; Some cleaners should be rinsed off after use, while others specify to be left on.

Step #3

Prevent a moss problem from returning by asking your roofing contractor to install strips of coated zinc or copper coated sheet metal just below the top ridge on both sides of the roof. Copper is more toxic to moss and algae, but zinc is much less expensive. You can buy sheet metal in rolls and ask the roofing professional to cut it into strips of two to four inches and fix it to the ceiling using nails or roofing screws with a rubber washer. You also should consider pruning any tree limbs that overhang the roof—natural sunlight is a powerful moss preventive.

At US ROOFING Contractors Augusta-Georgia our commitment is to make you and your family feel safe! 

If you are in need of roofing or siding installation, roofing, siding or gutter services in the Augusta-Georgia, Grovetown, North Augusta and Martinez areas, please Call Us: (855) 877-6631 and visit us at  www.augustaroof.com for a free estimate.